Times Leader
First Posted:
John Kriel, 94, of Harveys Lake, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at home, in the arms of his devoted wife, Julia. They celebrated 67 years of marriage on September 2.
John was born on a farm in Cherry Township, Sullivan County. Son of Justina Kumara and Gregory Kriel, he was one of seven children.
He honorably served in the U.S. Army in World War II. A decorated war hero, he was wounded in two separate battles and survived a torpedo attack on his ship while on his way to Africa. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star among many other commendations and medals.
Upon his discharge, he married the former Julia Mehalick of Alden Station, Pa., and they settled in Harveys Lake, where they have lived for 62 years. He owned and operated Johnny’s Body Shop, an automotive body repair business. His reputation for honesty was well known in the area.
After his retirement, he and Julie shared their time between Tavares, Fla., and Harveys Lake.
John was a member of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church of America in Lopez.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julia; his sister Nettie Kriel Jaworski, and her husband, Frank, of Silver Springs, Md. Saddened by his death, he leaves 22 nieces and nephews and their families. Preceding him in death are his brothers, Michael, Peter, Steven; sisters Mary Huray and Anna Borick.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers you may honor John by donating to St. Vladimir’s Church, P.O. Box 211, Lopez, PA 18628.
Friends and relatives may pay their respects today from 6 until 8 p.m. at Simon S. Russin Funeral Home, 136 Maffett St. Plains Township. A Parastas will be held today at 7:30. There will be a viewing at St. Vladimir’s in Lopez on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. with a Requiem Service immediately following and Hieromonk Michael Thier, Pastor, officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the interment in St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Cemetery in Lopez. Those attending the Requiem Service should go to the church before 11 a.m. There will be no funeral procession from the funeral home.
John will be remembered for his strong faith in God, his generous spirit, kindness and love of family.
